Mazda Q&A

The noise sounds just like the front of a car scraping against the apron of a driveway -- except it comes from the rear of the car when I go over bumps at slower speeds(e.g. backing out of a driveway, going over a speed bump or a small pothole in a parking lot). It also like it's coming from down low, below the hatchback area, as if it were coming from a wheel well. My guess is that it might be related to my rear shocks/struts? Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

Check the rear coil springs. I mean get your face in there and see if the end(s) are broken. Next, look for a rusty colored dust around suspension bolts, this indicate a worn out bushing(usually). Mazda cut a lot of corner saving $ on the M3, from the tiny battery to the small tires. I've upgraded wheels to 215/55/17, handles better and slightly better gas mileage and replace the battery to a the biggest that would fit. Never like the sound of my Mazda3 starting.